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GOP walks thin line on stimulus

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The early criticism focused on presumed “earmarks” – a favorite boogeyman for some Republicans – including millions for re-sodding the National Mall and money for a mob museum in Las Vegas. Last week, Republican Rep. Darrell Issa of California referred to the House bill as an “$825 billion earmark” to expand the federal government.

In anticipating those attacks, Democrats included language in the bill – highlighted in press releases and members' comments – specifically forbidding any of the money from flowing to non-essential member-requested public-works projects, like aquariums or swimming pools.

But even Republicans concede that their attack on earmarks wouldn’t be an effective rationale to oppose a stimulus package backed by the popular president. They also have struggled to muster sympathy for procedural arguments that Democrats have barred them from negotiations over the initial draft.

But even as they go after the Democrats, GOP lawmakers face an internal struggle: With President Bush back in Texas, who among them should be issuing the marching orders in this fight?

In the House, three separate GOP leaders scheduled three separate press conferences last week to express opposition to the initial Democratic stimulus draft. Aides eventually consolidated the two afternoon briefings into a single over-crowded event.

Boehner tapped his No. 2, Whip Eric Cantor (Va.), to take the lead in negotiations with the White House. Cantor assembled a Republican alternative that he and his colleagues are expected to unveil during a session at the White House this week.

That plan, which should favor tax cuts over spending, will be the foundation for their opposition to whatever legislation emerges from negotiations between the House, the Senate and the new Obama administration.

Republicans risk further political damage by opposing a plan endorsed by Obama at a time when troubles in the credit market continue to drag down the broader economy.

But after splitting with their leaders to oppose a $700 billion rescue plan for Wall Street last fall, many Republicans believe they are finally on the right side of the spending debate, arguing that Democrats – and Democrats alone – will soon be responsible for doubling a national deficit that should exceed $1 trillion this year.

Readers' Comments (36)

The Banks of the USA are already nationalized. Without taxpayer money....they would not exist today. A Republican President led around by the nose by the Chamber of Commerce working with a Republican China loving Sec. of Treasury...........did it. Period. Some Principled Republicans fought it..........but enough Republicans like John McCain..Lindsey Graham..the usual Democratic wanna bees worked with Reid and Pelousi to make it "bi-partisan".

Live with it.

BUT...........POINT OUT THE LITTLE FOIBLES LIKE (MSNBC THIS MORNING..MORNING JOE) THE BRAND NEW CITI CORP JET...COSTING FIFTEEN MILLION TAX PAYER DOLLORS TO FLY THE ROYAL BUTTS OF THE INCOMPETANT CEO'S AND OTHER MAJOR BANK AND FINANAICAL OFFICERS AROUND THE WORLD....THAT WE JUST PAID FOR.

THE REPUBLICANS SHOULD HAVE PICTURES OF THE JET. THEY SHOULD POINT OUT THAT MOST FINANCIAL EXPERTS CITE CITI-CORP AND ROBERT RUBIN AS THE PRIME CAUSE OF THE FINANCIAL INVENTION OF 'DIRIVETIVES" (SP) AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS THAT THREW MONEY AWAY...AND GAVE THEM ALL A BIG HIGH.

AND IF THE REPUBLICANS WAIT FOR THE MSM TO BUCK THE DEMOCRATIC LEADERS...............PREPARE FOR EXTINCTION AS A POLITICAL PARTY. GET A WEB SITE UP. POST THINGS LIKE THE JET AND DETAILS THERE. PEOPLE WENT AROUND A BIASED PRESS TO START A STORM OF GRASSROOTS OUTRAGE OVER THE INJUSTICE DEALT TO OUR BORDER PATROL AGENTS....THE TWO YOUNG AMERICAN - MEXICAN HEROES.....WHO FOUGHT THE DRUG LORDS...AND WERE IMPRISONED BECAUSE OF THEIR REFUSAL TO STAND BY AND LET THAT POISON BE BROUGHT INTO THIS NATION.

GRASSROOT PROTEST WORKS. COMMUNICATE WITH THE PUBLIC DIRECTLY. GO AROUND THE MEDIA. THEY ARE NOT YOUR GOOD FRIEND. THEY ARE NOT YOUR GOOD NEIGHBOR. THEY ARE NOT TRUTHFUL.

THE BAILOUT OF STATES LIKE CALIFORNIA...........WHICH CATERS TO ILLEGAL ALIENS.........IS MORALLY EVIL. TO JUSTIFY BREAKING LAWS ...TO PAY FOR IT FROM THE TAXMONEY OF AMERICANS WHO OPPOSE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ....WHO WANT A SECURE BORDER..........IS EVIL.

TO EXTEND SCHIP...TO HIDE UNDER THE COVER OF SICK CHILDREN...TO EXTEND HEALTH CARE TO FOREIGN BORN NATIONALS...WHILE AMERICANS, MANY WITHOUT INSURANCE THEMSELVES, ....TO EXTEND IT TO MILLIONS OF ADULTS...FOREIGN BORN............IS EVIL.

The USA became the USA because ...for generations, our elected leaders, for the most part, were not corrupt. Today they are. And I dare anyone to say that the incestous relationship Congress has with "K" street and the billions funneled to them from K Street is not corrupt and evil.

TODAY...IN MY HOME TOWN PAPER....FROM THE CENTER FOR RESONSIVE P[OLITICS....BANKS..BAILED OUT WITH YOUR DOLLARS...ARE SPENDING THOSE DOLLARS..YOUR DOLLARS TO LOBBY CONGRESS. THESE ARE 2008 FIGURES...THEY WERE SPENT DIRECTLY ON SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES...AND REALATIVES OF SAME RECEIVED HUGE COMMISSIONS FOR DOING THE JOB.

THE AMERICAN SECURITIZATION FORUM AND THE HOUSING POLICY COUNCIL DID NOT REPORT 2008 LOBBYING EXPENSES.

Currently Cities..Poverty Pimps...LaRaza...Immigrant Rights Groups....are all over the Hill...lavishing millions on the same Representatives and Senators....for Obama's take on stimulus. and wait and see...California..who never met an illegal alien they could not support, educate, medicate...do lawyer work for...criminal gang membership not a problem.....will rake in billions.

THE REPUBLICAN PARTY SHOULD HAVE UP A WEB SITE EXPLAINING EVERY ASPECT OF THE STIMULUS...WHERE THE MONEY IS GOING..WHO GETS IT..........IF THEY DEPEND ON THE MEDIA TO EVER REPORT ANYTHING CRITICAL OF ILLEGAL ALIENS OR THE THEY HUGE PART THEY HAVE PLAYED IN THE BREAKDOWN OF THE USA...FINANCIAL AND LAW AND ORDER.........................FORGET IT.

To start with, the premise that Republicans shouldn't oppose Obama is simply wrong. I guess that's just how a biased reporter would see things. IT IS THE GOP'S JOB TO BE THE OPPOSITION PARTY, NOW MORE THAN EVER. In any case, I have been waiting for the Democrats to actually fulfill their promise of a bi-partisan love-fest since 2000. Funny how it never seems to materialize. After so many years of being fed this line you have to be responsible enough to see a cheap parlor trick for what it is.

I don't care which side comes up with a solution, as long as we have a workable solution. If the republicans have a more viable option, I'm sure the President will consider it. I'd like to think that the republicans are working with our President and other Dems. and not trying to be obstructionists. Our country's future depends on our elected officials to work together to help clean up the mess from the last eight years. It ain't gonna be easy or quick, but something must be done now!

If there is only one reason to listen to the Republicans it is simply because, unlike when corrupt Democrats get busted and wear the crimes as badges of honor as they languish in office, corrupt Republicans are run out of town on a rail. That reminds me, if even one Republican could have had the economic meltdown hung around their neck we would have seen it by now.

Litabel #5: Maybe you should direct your comments to Pelosi...NOT ONE SINGLE REPUBLICAN WAS ALLOWED TO IMPUT ANYTHING INTO THE STIMULAS BILL SUBMITTED BY THE CONGRESS TO THE SENATE...BI-PARTISIN????? OUR CONGRESS IS NO BETTER THEN THE SOVIET UNION DUMAS (Congress)...We sure are getting a lot of CHANGE FOR THE WORSE, BUT NOT UNEXPECTED FROM THE NEW SOCIALIST/MARKIST PARTY (Formaly the Democratic Party).....

The GOP does not walk a thin line in opposing the stimulus. Actually, it is the other way around. The Democrats are walking a thin line and causing Americans to walk with them.

First, there are too many unanswered questions about this stimulus package and no firsthand details on how the money will be spent. The way Obama is presenting his case; it leaves the money open to only his constituents. He says he will have a website (www.recovery.gov) but we want to know BEFOREHAND what, who, where, when, how these contracts will be disbursed and people put to work.

Second, since there are few details and unanswered questions about the distribution of the money, it would be possible for the Democrats to give the opportunities to their supporters first. This is all America's money and his campaign promise was for America, not only his supporters. I promise you that if you let Obama get $850 billion dollars without answers first, it will be like a "Heist against America".

Please do not let the Democrats run a heist to take all the money from America. Let us get some answers in writing and decide the best move before proceeding with any action.

If there is only one reason to listen to the Republicans it is simply because, unlike when corrupt Democrats get busted and wear the crimes as badges of honor as they languish in office, corrupt Republicans are run out of town on a rail.

Say Hi to Vitter and Craig for me. LOL The Dukester was run out of town by the court. right to prison.

SAME old Republicans even after a historic election in which their political approach..Atwater's Scorch the Earth and Scare the Crap Out Folks Doing It...failed miserably. Moreover, it is the same old "what's in it for the rich folks" when it comes to the economy. We did the hurry up and spend money for Haliburton and other contractors in Iraq, and saw billions in corruption and lost funds. And now the head grump in the House says, once again, there isn't enough in the stim package spent quickly enough. Obama's folks actually want to have the taxpayers' money go to long term projects that will build jobs now and in the future instead of it being placed in bank vaults and used for bonuses with NO accountabilty. Keep it up, Republicans. I can't think of a better way to ensure you won't regain a majority or win the White House anytime in the near future. You just don't get it..and that is good for the Dems. Obama is no savior, but for right now, the fact that he and the Dems are trying a different approach than the one that got us here gets them alot of patience from the American people. We understand Bush and the Congressional Republicans screwed this country up royally during the last 8 years, and we realize it isn't going to be fixed quickly given the amount of damage Republicans managed to inflict as the major players in that party opened the floodgates to greed and corruption. Time for Change. Get with it, or get the hell out of the way.

There is too much marketing and image-management in this game. When a similar plan ( similar as rescue-plan idea ) was called "bailout" last year all opponents could shout without walking on thin line. Now the newest rescue-plan is called "stimulus" so that you don't dare oppose it . It would be real bad press to go against "stimulus"

I notice Obama's team does not comment on the 4 million ( or was it 5 million ? ) jobs promised by BHO quite recently.

How can the Federal finances do with growing unemployment and less taxes ? Are the Federal expenses really trimming down`?

Does Kingston really think the American People are stupid enough to buy some PR campaign that seeks to make the Bush years the Obama Years? Give me a break. We are tired of the attack dog approach, and the Republican Party is gradually becoming a party of extremists who only know two things...seeking to blame someone else for what they did, and scare the hell out of folks as a way of deflecting attention from a reasoned discourse about their proposed policies and legislation.

This deficit is Bush's. This deficit is the Republican Party's. Obama and the Dems get to clean up your mess. Be grateful they are trying.

Isn't this taxation without representation? My representative is republican why can't he represent me by being able to offer up some ideas to this so called stimulus (spending spree). Decisions being made without me being represented is soooo bipartisian. (snort) The most ethical congress EVER! yeah right!

Isn't this taxation without representation? My representative is republican why can't he represent me by being able to offer up some ideas to this so called stimulus (spending spree). Decisions being made without me being represented is soooo bipartisian. (snort) The most ethical congress EVER! yeah right!

You did LOSE the election. you are now represented by the Democratic party. i know you think the GOP did a stellar job the past 8 years, but the mjority of us think NOT so much.

This is becoming, whar appears to be , a "strong armed robbery" against the American people. The Democrats and their socially-dependent supporters seems to be focused on everything except the problem. Somebody need to say hold on, wait a minute! We have been engaged in this discussion since before the election. The American people have been amenable to the argument about the the sky is falling proposed by Obama. They acknowledge that things "will get worse, before they get better", the sky has not fallen, and will not fall, so why not "slow down,and get it right". We give them money, and like a dog who has swallowed a whol steak, they come back for more, and more, and more! I don't see how spending 50 billion dollars on unemployment benefits will do anything. It is a "bandaid, palliative" fix. All the money passed out last fall had no effect, it was a waste! What the Democrats are doing is "cushioning their majority, flushing money to the constituents", and attempting to insure their re-elections. They are more concerned about winning elections than they are about rescuing the country. Obama need to stop profiling in front of the cameras everyday, stop trying to convince people he is good-looking and smart, and stop trying to impose a dictatorship, sit down with a political tendencies, and demonstrate and authentic desire to ameliorate these problems. Time will show the Democrats are the bigges losers in this debate. They don't get it: The American people don't want a penny more of our money thrown away again. The socially-dependent people supporting Obama will get everything given to them free, as he will continue the "free ride" they are already being given. This will do nothing to stimulate the economy, it will only continue to "Drain" from it. Obama keeps telling them "help is on the way". I don't care what party the opposition come from as long as they "stand their ground"!

To start with, the premise that Republicans shouldn't oppose Obama is simply wrong. I guess that's just how a biased reporter would see things. IT IS THE GOP'S JOB TO BE THE OPPOSITION PARTY, NOW MORE THAN EVER. In any case, I have been waiting for the Democrats to actually fulfill their promise of a bi-partisan love-fest since 2000. Funny how it never seems to materialize. After so many years of being fed this line you have to be responsible enough to see a cheap parlor trick for what it is.

The GOP is more interested in denying Obama a win than in doing what is best for the country. It wants to saddle Obama with Bush's mess by frustrating any attempt to fix it.

Given this fact, I don't care (and neither will the American people for that matter) if your nose is bent out of joint. I don't care (and neither will the American people for that matter) if your feelings are ruffled.

A president with a 70% approval rating as Obama has is one vested by the American people practically with emergency powers. They do not in the least share Limbaugh's desire for him to fail merely to serve the partisan interests of the GOP. In fact, those numbers suggest to me that the GOP evangelical base has defected from the libertarian ideologues and is voting for their socioeconomic survival.